Can-Am's latest Spyder gets the drift

Since first introducing the Can-Am Spyder in 2007, Bombardier continues to tweak this cross between a motorcycle and a car, and what it's done to its F3 model is no exception. The new Can-Am Spyder F3-S has what the company is calling a Sports mode feature that allows riders to drift, and is meant to turn riding through twisties into a more exciting experience.

Think of Sports mode in this case as turning off the traction control, rather than making further automatic adjustments to suspension and engine performance, as might be the case on a motorcycle with multiple riding modes.

Drifting is typically associated with oversteering a car to purposely create a loss of rear end traction, which makes the idea of losing traction in the one rear wheel of a Can-Am Spyder seem counter-intuitive. But the Spyder's accompanying Vehicle Stability System (VSS) remains operational in Sport mode and decreases power where appropriate to help prevent rollovers. The result is a more controlled rear tire drift that adds a safety factor to the fun of showing off your steering skills.

The F3-S features the 1330 Rotax ACE in-line three cylinder that was first introduced in the Can-Am lineup in 2014. It produces a claimed 115 hp (85.8 kW) and 96 lb-ft (1,30.1 Nm) of torque, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual with reverse or a 6-speed semi-automatic with reverse.

In addition to the Sport mode and stability control, the new F3-S also comes with ABS tied to high-performance Brembo brakes, an anti-theft system, and cruise control.

As a nod to Bombardier's ties to racing, the company is creating a limited-edition Daytona 500 inspired F3-S model with cosmetic touches that include a race paint scheme, sportier front grill, a mono seat cowl, and drag bars.

There's also a full-line of accessories available to personalize your F3-S so you can drift in style. Base price for the F3-S starts at US$21,249 with availability in dealerships this August.